newborn welcome guide
My name is Marina and I am the owner of Marina Russell Photography. This guide is here to serve two purposes, first to help answer questions and concerns you might have about your session and second, to give you confidence in knowing that your baby is in safe hands while with me at their photo debut! I take baby safety extremely seriously and will never put your little one in harm's way. Having a baby is such an exciting time, it doesn’t matter if this is your first baby or your last, the love is the same!
Parenthood is filled with irreplaceable moments that can slip away with time. I’m here to help you capture and keep them vivid.
WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT AT SESSION?
Studio Temperature – I keep my studio pretty toasty since babies are photographed naked majority of the time. I use space heaters to make sure your baby is comfortable and happy. Please make sure you are not wearing too many layers otherwise you will be sweating.
Noise – Some babies are sensitive to noise, so I try to avoid anything that might wake them up or startle them. If you are bringing siblings with you, please make sure to keep them quiet and away from the shooting area. I use noise machine to drown any noise and sooth your baby.
Crying – Yes, babies cry, and that’s normal. I don’t expect your baby to be perfectly still and asleep. I understand your child will probably need to eat, be changed, or just have some cuddle time with mom and dad during the session. This is to be expected and there is plenty of time to accommodate for that during the session. Most newborn sessions last between 2-3 hours.
Shooting Process – We will start with family and siblings’ shots which should only take 30 minutes or so. Once we are finished with that portion, dad can take siblings home or nearby playground. If you decide to keep your children at the studio, please make sure you bring entertainment for them. I will have movies, cartoons and some toys available for them to use in the waiting room. The rest of the shoot will be focused on the baby. All the props and outfits will be ready to go for your session, based on your questionnaire but we can make minor changes per your request.
Payment - You will need to bring payment for the seating fee unless you prepaid already. Payment is due in full at the time of your session unless you arranged a payment plan with me.
My editing process takes about three weeks. Once your gallery is ready, I will email you the link. You can then download and share your gallery with friends and family. I will do my best to post some previews on social media, if you don't want these posted please let me know right away.
I offer many products and keepsakes that you can gift or display at your home. Canvas galleries, prints, beautiful albums, cards and so much more. Make sure to browse the samples at your newborn session.
safety
I take safety seriously and it is number one priority during the newborn shoot. Cleanliness– I keep my props clean and wash them regularly especially after accidents that pretty much expected at every session.
Spotter – there is always a spotter whether it is the parent or another photographer that is making sure that the baby is secure at all times.
Baby wellbeing – I always make sure that your baby is comfortable and not in any distress. I regularly check their hands and feet to make sure they are still pink and not turning purple. Some babies are not flexible and not able to do some of the positions, I will test their flexibility to make sure the position is not hurting them in any way.
Composite shots – a lot of the times I composite my shots for safety. I don’t balance or put babies on the unstable surface that can jeopardize their safety.
Germs – I sanitize my hands before every session, and during which is important step to keep your baby germ free. Al surfaces are wiped down before your arrival and the room is aired out.
Props – baskets, bowls, scales and so on are lots of fun, but also could be harmful if not used properly. I use a lot of pillows and padding to make sure your baby is not leaning over any sharp or hard surface.
tips & planning
Keep them awake prior to coming to the studio. Try to keep your baby awake for 1-2 hours prior to coming into the studio. A good way to have you do this is by giving your baby a bath. This is a great way for the babies to exercise their lungs a bit before coming and tire themselves out a bit. It also helps their hair to be nice and fluffy.
Full belly equals a happy baby. Try to feed your baby every two hours night before your session that way they are ful and able to sleep longer stretches during your session. I will stop if needed during the session if the baby needs to eat some more. Babies with a full belly will sleep much more soundly. Your children and husband are also do better if they are fed. I recommend bringing snacks and treats for rewards or bribes which ever we will need during the session.
Stay calm and relaxed. Babies are very perceptive and can pick up on our energy. If you are nervous and anxious the baby will sense that and will not settle easily. I try to bring oil diffuser and diffuse some lavender oil to calm things down and relax everyone. Just remember, we are recording memories and it will be perfect no matter what.
Time of day matters. If at all possible, I always schedule my newborn sessions for first thing in the morning. This is a time when most babies sleep more soundly. Afternoon can be very tricky as they approach the afternoon “witching hour”. Anyone who has kids can attest to the fact that kids of all ages tend to not be at their best as late afternoon approaches. It is the same for newborns.
- Food for you baby
- Pacifier even if your baby isn’t decided whether he
likes it or not
- Blanket to keep baby warm between shots
- Soft brush (if baby has hair)
- - Snacks & treats for siblings
- Entertainment suck as tablets or smal toys to keep
younger siblings occupied
- Special things if any (toy, blanket and so on)
I am excited to meet you and your baby! Just remember I am here to please you and create most memorable timeless photos for your family.